Long Island Railroad M7 - From Manhattan to the Queens in 20 minutes
video description
Date: 2024-01-09
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 28
train
Since you were just going to Jamaica off-peak, you could've purchased a CityTicket! CityTickets, as the name explains, is for journeys within NYC and costs just five bucks but it's only for off-peak hours (shown as an option at 4: 20. And you accidentally purchased a peak ticket (as shown at the top at 4: 21! The reason both the LIRR and MNR use third rail is because when it was built the technology for DC third rail was more heavily used, and better understood. AC overhead lines were a newer technology. Plus third rail is cheaper to build, since it doesn-t require supports for the lines. LIRR was once owned by the Penn RR and they used third rail for the tunnels entering Manhattan. They wouldn't do catenary lines until the 1930s.
The map you posted at 2: 19 is super weird since it's not the official LIRR map that I'm used to as a LIRR rider. The lines except Port Washington and the Ronkonkoma Branch have a different color scheme than the official map, and this map implies Ronkonkoma trains go to Speonk when they don't. Some Montauk Branch trains (which on the map are supposed to be aqua) just use the Central Branch to connect to the Main Line instead of going along the Babylon Branch (which is supposed to be dark green. Also, it's not the Queens, just Queens! I think you're confusing it with The Bronx! The reason we call it The Bronx is because of the Bronx River! While Queens is named after the Portuguese Catherine of Braganza, who was Queen of England in 1683.
reply
Since you were just going to Jamaica off-peak, you could've purchased a CityTicket! CityTickets, as the name explains, is for journeys within NYC and costs just five bucks but it's only for off-peak hours (shown as an option at 4: 20. And you accidentally purchased a peak ticket (as shown at the top at 4: 21! The reason both the LIRR and MNR use third rail is because when it was built the technology for DC third rail was more heavily used, and better understood. AC overhead lines were a newer technology. Plus third rail is cheaper to build, since it doesn-t require supports for the lines. LIRR was once owned by the Penn RR and they used third rail for the tunnels entering Manhattan. They wouldn't do catenary lines until the 1930s.
The map you posted at 2: 19 is super weird since it's not the official LIRR map that I'm used to as a LIRR rider. The lines except Port Washington and the Ronkonkoma Branch have a different color scheme than the official map, and this map implies Ronkonkoma trains go to Speonk when they don't. Some Montauk Branch trains (which on the map are supposed to be aqua) just use the Central Branch to connect to the Main Line instead of going along the Babylon Branch (which is supposed to be dark green. Also, it's not the Queens, just Queens! I think you're confusing it with The Bronx! The reason we call it The Bronx is because of the Bronx River! While Queens is named after the Portuguese Catherine of Braganza, who was Queen of England in 1683.
reply
-p_mouse8676
I go to the US and in particular the NY(C) train network often to visit family. The lack of information and travel routes is the worst I have ever seen. It's very obvious that it's made for people who know their way. I travel a lot by train, but I had big trouble finding the right routes and platforms. Worst of all, this is very unclear on their website and app (which is a thing on its own. There are screens on every platform, but they only show information about the train, when the train is just arriving! How extremely silly is that! Going upstate is even worse. Very poor information again where to go, lack of any major stations, directions, terminal stations or time tables. Those can sometimes only be found in the main hall. Which doesn't help if you're already on the (wrong) platform.
After all those years, I finally kinda know my way.
reply
I go to the US and in particular the NY(C) train network often to visit family. The lack of information and travel routes is the worst I have ever seen. It's very obvious that it's made for people who know their way. I travel a lot by train, but I had big trouble finding the right routes and platforms. Worst of all, this is very unclear on their website and app (which is a thing on its own. There are screens on every platform, but they only show information about the train, when the train is just arriving! How extremely silly is that! Going upstate is even worse. Very poor information again where to go, lack of any major stations, directions, terminal stations or time tables. Those can sometimes only be found in the main hall. Which doesn't help if you're already on the (wrong) platform.
After all those years, I finally kinda know my way.
reply
-ModernClassic
I rode the LIRR for 12 years in the 2000's and 2010's. You were actually on the line I used to ride. I hope I never have to do it again. But I will say that you learn the little tricks when you do it every day, just little things to make it more livable (and cheaper. For one thing, I don't think I ever used an LIRR ticket machine after about 2008. If you're a regular rider, they would just mail you a monthly ticket and automatically charge your credit card. (I don't know what they do now; even that seems a little old fashioned, but it was better than buying a ticket at the machine) I always disliked the M7's, though. I found them noisy and unstable; they sway quite a lot. The old Budd-built M3's were actually quieter and smoother. I am curious to try the new M8's but I doubt they're much different than the M7's.
reply
I rode the LIRR for 12 years in the 2000's and 2010's. You were actually on the line I used to ride. I hope I never have to do it again. But I will say that you learn the little tricks when you do it every day, just little things to make it more livable (and cheaper. For one thing, I don't think I ever used an LIRR ticket machine after about 2008. If you're a regular rider, they would just mail you a monthly ticket and automatically charge your credit card. (I don't know what they do now; even that seems a little old fashioned, but it was better than buying a ticket at the machine) I always disliked the M7's, though. I found them noisy and unstable; they sway quite a lot. The old Budd-built M3's were actually quieter and smoother. I am curious to try the new M8's but I doubt they're much different than the M7's.
reply
-MLampner
As a former New Yorker and a regular rider of both the LIRR and National Rail in the UK, I think the similarities are due less to any commonality between the UK and LIRR system but the limited number of manufacturers. Siemens and Bombardier produce cars used in both nations. The similarity between the third rail systems may have much to do with the early adoption of electric traction, which appeared on both systems at roughly the same time. Another connection may be that the London Underground we know today came with the consolidation under Charles Yerkes an American who had seen London as a ripe opportunity and took many ideas from the states with him.
reply
As a former New Yorker and a regular rider of both the LIRR and National Rail in the UK, I think the similarities are due less to any commonality between the UK and LIRR system but the limited number of manufacturers. Siemens and Bombardier produce cars used in both nations. The similarity between the third rail systems may have much to do with the early adoption of electric traction, which appeared on both systems at roughly the same time. Another connection may be that the London Underground we know today came with the consolidation under Charles Yerkes an American who had seen London as a ripe opportunity and took many ideas from the states with him.
reply
-jimpern
I used the LIRR at times when I lived up that way; at that time they were using the older M1 and M3 railcars; some of the latter are still used. Very efficient at getting people to NYC; not too useful if traveling between certain L. I. destinations. Jamaica is probably the busiest rail staion in the U. S.; Clapham Junction in London is the only one busier that I know of. All LIRR trains go thru Jamaica except the Port Washington branch, which departs the main line east of Woodside. Highway traffic on L. I. is bad, but it would be far worse without the LIRR!
reply
I used the LIRR at times when I lived up that way; at that time they were using the older M1 and M3 railcars; some of the latter are still used. Very efficient at getting people to NYC; not too useful if traveling between certain L. I. destinations. Jamaica is probably the busiest rail staion in the U. S.; Clapham Junction in London is the only one busier that I know of. All LIRR trains go thru Jamaica except the Port Washington branch, which departs the main line east of Woodside. Highway traffic on L. I. is bad, but it would be far worse without the LIRR!
reply
-traindude80
There is no direct connection to the British rail system, but the reason LIRR chose to electrify with third rail was because at that time (early 1900s) third-rail DC power was more common. When Penn Station was opened in 1910, the route from Manhattan Transfer (in New Jersey) to Penn Station as well as to Long Island was electrified with third rail. It wasn't until the early 1930s when the Pennsylvania Railroad electrified its mainline with overhead wire and abandoned third rail. The LIRR however continued to use third rail.
reply
There is no direct connection to the British rail system, but the reason LIRR chose to electrify with third rail was because at that time (early 1900s) third-rail DC power was more common. When Penn Station was opened in 1910, the route from Manhattan Transfer (in New Jersey) to Penn Station as well as to Long Island was electrified with third rail. It wasn't until the early 1930s when the Pennsylvania Railroad electrified its mainline with overhead wire and abandoned third rail. The LIRR however continued to use third rail.
reply
train
If off peak fare is $7. 75 and off peak fares were valid at all times, or so said the screen, how'd you end up with a $10. 75 ticket? I'd have just gone to the ticket counter. Or was it closed?
Classic change at Jamaica, where trains to from Penn Station, Brooklyn (subway to lower Manhattan) and Hunterspoint Ave/Long Island City line up across the platform to exchange passengers.
reply
If off peak fare is $7. 75 and off peak fares were valid at all times, or so said the screen, how'd you end up with a $10. 75 ticket? I'd have just gone to the ticket counter. Or was it closed?
Classic change at Jamaica, where trains to from Penn Station, Brooklyn (subway to lower Manhattan) and Hunterspoint Ave/Long Island City line up across the platform to exchange passengers.
reply
-jimpern
As pointed out elsewhere, the cheapest way to get from Manhattan to JFK is to take the subway to the Sutphin Blvd station which is directly under Jamaica, then take the AirTrain to JFK. But it takes considerably longer. The proposed AirTrain to La Guardia Airport has been scrapped, probably to be replaced eventually by an extension of the Astoria subway line.
reply
As pointed out elsewhere, the cheapest way to get from Manhattan to JFK is to take the subway to the Sutphin Blvd station which is directly under Jamaica, then take the AirTrain to JFK. But it takes considerably longer. The proposed AirTrain to La Guardia Airport has been scrapped, probably to be replaced eventually by an extension of the Astoria subway line.
reply
-bbpete8349
Thanks! There was a time in 2019 that I could have used this info to JFK but maybe another time I can. Is there a AirTrain from Jamaica Station to LaGuardia? If not, how do you get from LaGuardia to Manhattan other than by car (taxi or uber which I'm sure are too expensive.
reply
Thanks! There was a time in 2019 that I could have used this info to JFK but maybe another time I can. Is there a AirTrain from Jamaica Station to LaGuardia? If not, how do you get from LaGuardia to Manhattan other than by car (taxi or uber which I'm sure are too expensive.
reply
-AnnabelSmyth
As you were filming at the height of the pandemic (in the UK we were in such strict lockdown we could not celebrate Christmas with our families that year, it's probable that the - bathroom-, as you call it, was locked out of use rather than occupied.
reply
As you were filming at the height of the pandemic (in the UK we were in such strict lockdown we could not celebrate Christmas with our families that year, it's probable that the - bathroom-, as you call it, was locked out of use rather than occupied.
reply
-chrismv102
The 3rd rail system comes from the original 19th century NYC Elevated trains and the Subways of the early 20th century. Built at the same time as a lot of the London Underground (and the Boston Subway. That is probably why the connection.
reply
The 3rd rail system comes from the original 19th century NYC Elevated trains and the Subways of the early 20th century. Built at the same time as a lot of the London Underground (and the Boston Subway. That is probably why the connection.
reply
train
It-s really called the Long Island Rail Road. Two words, because it was formed before the word -railroad- existed (note the single word form. They take it as a point of pride - they are only 12 years away from their bicentennial!
reply
It-s really called the Long Island Rail Road. Two words, because it was formed before the word -railroad- existed (note the single word form. They take it as a point of pride - they are only 12 years away from their bicentennial!
reply
-ranjanguha6303
Love your videos! They are amazing and let-s me focus on the content instead of being interrupted by the narration. Look forward to every new release. Thank you for all the trouble in creating them. Best wishes.
reply
Love your videos! They are amazing and let-s me focus on the content instead of being interrupted by the narration. Look forward to every new release. Thank you for all the trouble in creating them. Best wishes.
reply
-ChrisCebelenski
Language note - It's not -The Queens-, it's just -Queens-, or if you like -Queens County-. Each village in Queens has it's own name, like -Flushing Meadows-. Jamaica station is located in Queens Village.
reply
Language note - It's not -The Queens-, it's just -Queens-, or if you like -Queens County-. Each village in Queens has it's own name, like -Flushing Meadows-. Jamaica station is located in Queens Village.
reply
-lightningbot85
for off peak routes within NYC (not going into New Jersey, Long Island, or Upstate NY outside of the Bronx) on metro north or LIRR you can get a city ticket which is only $5 for anywhere in the city.
reply
for off peak routes within NYC (not going into New Jersey, Long Island, or Upstate NY outside of the Bronx) on metro north or LIRR you can get a city ticket which is only $5 for anywhere in the city.
reply
-EpicThe112
Excellent trip report the way you tell apart Long Island Railroad from Metro-North version is the roof top Vent LIRR standard HVAC vent Metro-North has the curved Vents in addition to standard HVAC vent.
reply
Excellent trip report the way you tell apart Long Island Railroad from Metro-North version is the roof top Vent LIRR standard HVAC vent Metro-North has the curved Vents in addition to standard HVAC vent.
reply
-georgiede
Just for info, if you want to take LIRR from grand central, the tracks are quite far down from the Grand Central entrances, so leave yourself at least 15 extra minutes to navigate the journey down!
reply
Just for info, if you want to take LIRR from grand central, the tracks are quite far down from the Grand Central entrances, so leave yourself at least 15 extra minutes to navigate the journey down!
reply
-williammerry4746
Loved this short video. I used to travel to NYC regularly and this video brings back many happy memories of using the MTA to get almost anywhere quickly. Not so nice now though.
reply
Loved this short video. I used to travel to NYC regularly and this video brings back many happy memories of using the MTA to get almost anywhere quickly. Not so nice now though.
reply
-joermnyc
Actually since you were traveling within the 5 boroughs, as long as it-s not peak time (rush hour) there-s the -City Ticket- for only $5.
reply
Actually since you were traveling within the 5 boroughs, as long as it-s not peak time (rush hour) there-s the -City Ticket- for only $5.
reply
-hirampriggott1689
LIRR is the busiest railroad in the United States. It runs mostly on third rail power, but farther east it's diesel.
reply
LIRR is the busiest railroad in the United States. It runs mostly on third rail power, but farther east it's diesel.
reply
-scottyerkes1867
I am very familiar with LIRR service to/from Penn Station. The station is kinda dreary and crowded. Thanks Thibault--
reply
I am very familiar with LIRR service to/from Penn Station. The station is kinda dreary and crowded. Thanks Thibault--
reply
-seprishere
Seems odd for the LIRR to STILL use old-fashioned seat checks, not automatic barriers and not random ticket inspections.
reply
Seems odd for the LIRR to STILL use old-fashioned seat checks, not automatic barriers and not random ticket inspections.
reply
-amanji16
I use to love taking this to work- took it for 15 years. Recently moved to NC. Reminds me of good old days!
reply
I use to love taking this to work- took it for 15 years. Recently moved to NC. Reminds me of good old days!
reply
-aqua2poweros699
4: 32 You accidentally put peak hours when you were buying the ticket. that's why it costed $10. 75
reply
4: 32 You accidentally put peak hours when you were buying the ticket. that's why it costed $10. 75
reply
-johnkeenan5404
I grew up in Jamaica; five blocks from the Jamaica LIRR station. Sutphin Blvd was my subway stop.
reply
I grew up in Jamaica; five blocks from the Jamaica LIRR station. Sutphin Blvd was my subway stop.
reply
-i_alam
Penn Station is in the process of being rebuilt too the new section along 33rd ST is really nice.
reply
Penn Station is in the process of being rebuilt too the new section along 33rd ST is really nice.
reply
-SkysTrains
i was kinda hoping to also get the airtrain in 1 video but i wont complain, great as always.
reply
i was kinda hoping to also get the airtrain in 1 video but i wont complain, great as always.
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
